THE OCCUPATION OF KAWHIA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3816, 8 October 1883, Page 3

THE OCCUPATION OF KAWHIA.

Wellington, This day.

The Government steamer Hincmoa, which left here a week ago for Kawhia, returned on Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The Hincmoa arrived at Kawhia last Wednesday, when the disembarking of the 110 Armed Constabulary, who are to form the post at Kawhia, was commenced. This lasted a very short time, and a fortnight's

provisions having been placed ashore tho Constabulary at once took steps to erect a camp on a knoll about four or five chains distance from the Kawhia harbor, and on a spot which commands tho whole country. Tho Constabulary are as a whole under tho command of Major Tuko, tho respective companies having Captains Morrison and Taylor at the head. The whole of the afternoon of the day of arrival was taken up in landing the necessary stores, and this was effected without the slightest delay or difficulty. Tawhiao, being apprised of the visit of the Hinemoa with the Hon. Mr Bryce on board, at once visited Kawhia, and had an interview with the Minister. Tawhiao did not, it is understood, deny that the beacons had been destroyed by his instructions, but on tho other hand he admitted that he was quite conversant with what was being done, and gave as his reason for not interfering that he was unaware for what reason the marks were erected. The buoys also, on being taken up by Captain'Fairchild for cleaning , , were found to have been tampered with, and in one case a deliberate attempt had been made to sink one of them, it having been cut about with an axe, an indentation to the extent of half an inch being made. Tawhiao piiys that he stopped the " buoj- sinking," arid that he was to blame for an 3* destruction. Mr Bryce, it is understood, told Tawhiao that when the Government undertook action of this kind and tho natives were of opinion that they had a gicvance, they should communicate with the Government, and in all cases their claims would receive due attention at the hands of the Government. Tawhiao, subsequently to the interview, dined on board the Hinemoa with Mr Bryce. On the Thursday tho rccrectiou of the beacons was proceeded with, but sis a rumor was current that ">OO natives were ready to oppose this course. Captain Fairchild was allotted a guard of 20 Armed Constabulary. Fortunately, however, there was no obstruction, and the beacons have again been erected. Mr Bryce returned by the Ilinemoa, everything being in perfect order when he left. The Ilinemoa left Kawhia at dead low water on Friday, and although there was an exceptionally low tide 18ft of water was found.

When Tawhaio intorncwed Mr Bryce at Kaiwha ho exprcscd sou'ow for the destruction of tho beacons, and said that he himself was wi'l'ug to work in their reconstruction.